New dog exercise maps open for consultation

Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, today released new dog exercise area maps for community consultation. The maps clearly define where people can take their dogs, showing on and off-leash areas as well as dog prohibited areas.

“The new dog exercise maps aim to provide a balance between providing spaces for dogs to exercise both on and off-leash while also protecting the natural environment and the ability of others to enjoy our communal, recreational spaces,” said Minister Rattenbury.

“We’re now seeking community input into the new maps – from dog owners and walkers, but also from other interested members of the community.

“Dog exercise areas across the ACT were recently reviewed to take into account residential expansion, such as the development of Gungahlin and Molonglo and other land use changes across Canberra.

“The new maps are designed to help clarify dog exercise area boundaries and take into account physical boundaries such as walkways, paths, fences and roads.”

Mr Rattenbury said consultation will run until Friday 1 August 2014. A range of drop-in information sessions will be held across Canberra to promote the consultation and to assist people in viewing the maps.

“The first drop-in session will take place this Saturday in Belconnen, along the Lake Ginninderra foreshore from 7 to 9 am and at Waramanga playing fields from 11am to 1 pm. There will also be information sessions in Gungahlin, Inner North, Inner South and Tuggeranong.

“As Canberra continues to develop and grow, it’s important we review designated dog exercise areas to ensure we have the right balance for all members of the community. I encourage Canberra dog owners and interested residents to get involved in this consultation process to help us achieve this objective.”

Feedback on the dog exercise area maps can be provided at any of the drop-in information sessions. Alternatively, people can complete an online survey at www.timetotalk.act.gov.au or pick up a hardcopy survey from their public library.

To view the maps and access more information about the project, including a question and answer sheet and a full list of drop-in information sessions, visit www.timetotalk.act.gov.au.

Also like the way that most of Lake Burley Griffin is a dog off leash area but only parts of Lakes Ginninderra and Tuggeranong. Then again, what’s with the bits of the lake where dogs are prohibited; does that mean he can stay in the canoe but not get out?

Mt Rogers is now on leash according to this, and it’s not marked as a change in the major changes summary.
Spoke to TAMS today who claimed to their consultant it was currently on leash, which is not the case according ACT MaPI. Have put in a submission.
If you would like this to be maintained as an off leash area, please voice your concerns in the forums or through the feedback form.